AG 1999 09 20 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Comment: See G.S. 143-318.12(b)(1) end G.S. 153A-40(a). Any permanent change in the schedule of regular meetings must be adopted at least ten days before the first meeting to which the new schedule applies. Also, G.S. 153A-40 requires the board of county commissioners to meet at least once a month. The notice requirements of the proposed role are somewhat broader than those required by law. (b) Special Meetings. The chair or a majority of board members may at any time call a special meeting of the board by signing a notice stating the time and place of the meeting and the subjects to be considered. The person or persons calling the meeting shall cause the notice to be posted on the principal bulletin board of the county or the door of the regular meeting place if there is no principal bulletin board and delivered to the chair and all other board members or left at the usual dwelling place of each member at least forty-eight (48) hours before the meeting. In addition, the notice shall be mailed or delivered to individual persons and news organizations having requested such notice as provided in subsection d, below. Only items of business specified in the notice may be transacted at a special meeting, unless all members are present or those who are not present have signed a written waiver. Comment: See G.S. 153A-40A(a)and 143-318.12(b)(2). (c) Emergency Meetings. Ifa special meeting is called to deal with an unexpected circumstance that requires immediate consideration by the board, the notice requirements of this role do not apply. However, the person or persons calling an emergency meeting shall take reasonable action to inform the other members and the public of the meeting. Local news organizations having requested notice of special meetings as provided in subsection (d) below, shall be notified of such emergency meetings by the same method used to notify board members. Only business connected with the emergency may be discussed at the meeting. Comment: See G.S. 153A-40(b) and 143-318.12(b)(3). (d) Sunshine List. Any individual and any newspaper, wire service, radio station, and television station may file with the clerk to the board of commissioners a written request for notice of all special meetings of the board. Requests by individuals must be renewed by the last day of each calendar quarter; requests by news organizations must be renewed annually by January 1 and are not subject to any fee. Comment: See G.S. 143-318.12(b)(2). (e) Work Sessions and Committee Meetings. The Board may schedule work sessions, committee meetings, or other informal meetings of the board or of a majority of its members at such times and concerning such subject matter as may be established by resolution or order of the board. A schedule of any such meetings held on a regular basis shall be filed in the same place and manner as the schedule of regular meetings. Work sessions and other informal official meetings not held on a regular basis are subject to the same notice requirements as special board meetings. Comment: The Open Meetings Law requires that any "official meeting" where a majority of the board deliberates on public business must be open to the public and notice must be given. The last sentence of this rule embodies that principle. The role goes beyond the Open Meetings Law in requiring a published schedule of work sessions or committee meetings held regularly.